Akunyili flown to India as health deteriorates
The former Minister of Information, Dr.Dora Akunyili, was reportedly to be flown abroad for medical treatment on Saturday.
Akunyili, who made her mark for her patriotic zeal, uncompromising transparency and astounding courage, during her tenure as the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control was to be flown out of the country to India for the treatment, reports indicated.
She had been reportedly been overseas where she was said to have undergone treatment for a life-threatening ailment, but she made a surprising come home to take her position as a delegate at the ongoing National Conference.
One of the reports said one of her close aide had revealed the development saying that Akunyili's condition had deteriorated and any further delay in getting medical attention would have been detrimental.
“Please pray for her. She is to be flown abroad tonight for medical treatment in India,” an online newsportal quoted the unnamed aide to have said.
When Akunnyili made a dramatic appearance at the National Conference, her visage attracted attentions with many asking why she had to come to the conference in the obvious state of ill-health.
She however reated in a statement dissing all shuch reports.
She said, “My attention has been drawn to a story making the rounds online claiming that I am seriously sick, currently out of the country and in need of urgent prayers.
“This story is baseless, unfounded and the handiwork of mischief makers. It should be ignored and discarded in its entirety. As every informed Nigerian knows, I am a delegate to the National Conference currently holding in Abuja.
“While it is true that I recently came out of a major sickness, for which I thank Almighty God for delivering me, I have since been declared fit by my doctors and returned to my normal activities.
“I shed much weight in the course of the sickness — which is normal — but I am well now and only need time to re-grow some flesh. There is nothing to worry about either my health or my present stature.”